ABSTRACT
One of the major limitations of wireless mesh networks is a lack of standardization. Vendors offering wireless mesh networking products employ different routing algorithms as well as support different transmission platforms, such as the IEEE 802.11a, b, and g protocols. During 2003 and moving forward into 2004, several pioneering wireless mesh networking equipment manufacturers selected the IEEE 802.11 series of transmission protocols as the basis for the development of mesh networks. Out of the approximately 50 routing protocols developed, there are 4 that are candidates for potential standardization in an evolving wireless mesh network standard. Recognizing the need for standards covering wireless mesh networking, Cisco Systems and Intel proposed a new standard for wireless mesh networking at an IEEE meeting in Vancouver, Canada, in January, 2004. Approval of the Project Authorization Request will eventually result in a new addition to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, with the 802.11s standard nomenclature reserved for a wireless mesh local area network standard.
